Samsung Galaxy S23 Review: Should You Upgrade?

Samsung Galaxy S23, boasts a lightweight design with a screen size similar to Pixel 6a, processing power like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and more cameras than the iPhone 14. Despite being an excellent phone with high performance, three lenses, and years of support, it faces stiff competition from Apple and Google’s affordable last-year models.

However, Samsung has made some significant improvements with this new flagship handset. The camera bump has been removed, and the new processor is incredibly fast, the battery life has been boosted, and the display is brighter. Although these changes may not be groundbreaking, they have resulted in the S23 being the best S-series handset yet.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Specs

• Screen size: 6.1 inches
• Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels
• Operating system: Android 13, One UI 5.1
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Cameras: 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide
• Battery: 3,900 mAh
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• RAM: 8GB
• Weight: 168g
• Water resistance: IP68
• MicroSD slot: No

Samsung Galaxy S23 Design

The S23 model from Samsung has undergone a refinement in design, with the removal of the raised camera module and the three camera lenses now flush with the rest of the matte aluminum back panel, a look that was previously exclusive to the Ultra.

The phone is smaller than the iPhone 14, despite similar dimensions. It is sleek and lightweight, with softly rounded corners, tiny bezels, and a lack of tilt when placed on a flat surface. However, the design may not be as head-turning as the newer iPhones or Pixels, appearing a bit dull.

The phone comes in Cream, Green, and Lavender colours, with two more (Graphite and Lime) available through the Samsung store.

Samsung S23 Display

In today’s world, a 6.1-inch display is considered relatively small, particularly when compared to larger handsets like the iPhone 14 Plus and the Galaxy Fold 4. However, the S23’s panel, which offers FHD resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate, is just as good as last year’s model. The difference this year is that the brightness has been improved from 1,500 nits to a much better 1,750 nits, making it easier to read in bright sunlight.

We tested the phone in different lighting conditions and found the screen to be consistently sharp, smooth, and easy to read. We even downloaded a show to watch on our commute and didn’t face any issues with the screen size. We found that the screen size was perfect for browsing YouTube and navigating with one hand.

Another useful feature we enabled was the always-on display, which allowed us to quickly check the time and notifications without having to touch the screen. We liked having the option to customize the layout, clock styles, and brightness to our liking.

Samsung S23 Camera

One of the most impressive aspects of the S23 is its camera system, which outshines its competitors in terms of lenses. With a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto and 12MP ultrawide trio on the back, it offers more than the iPhone 14 and Pixel 6a.

We tested the camera found that it took great photos effortlessly. It produced softly blurred backgrounds in close-up shots, captured plenty of detail in outdoor, provided accurate and vivid colors.

Overall, this camera system is one of the best we have seen at this price point.

The S23’s 10x optical zoom is not as impressive as the Ultra’s 100x zoom, but it’s still a useful feature for capturing distant subjects like birds or animals. We tested it by focusing on signs on the other side of a train platform and found that it retained a decent amount of detail at full zoom. While the results may not be social media-worthy, we were still impressed with the clarity the zoom provides.

Samsung S23 Software

The Samsung S23 is equipped with One UI 5.1, a version of Android 13, which runs smoothly when navigating through apps. While it’s not as clean as Google’s version of Android, Samsung’s layout is simple and customizable, with a variety of widgets to choose from.

However, the phone comes with pre-loaded apps, some of which are useful while others are not. Samsung also includes apps such as Facebook, Samsung Boost, and Samsung Global Goals. Although not ideal, these apps can be removed or tidied up with a few taps.

One positive aspect is that Samsung has committed to providing four major Android updates for the S23, with Android 14 coming this year. This means the phone will be supported for approximately four years, until Android 17.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Battery

The S23 is equipped with a 3900mAh battery that offers an all-day battery life, which is longer than last year’s model with a 3700mAh battery. The charging speed is also decent, and it supports wireless charging of up to 15W, which is convenient for a quick top-up.

The phone can be charged with up to 25W wired charging, but it’s worth noting that there is no wall plug included in the box, only a USB-C cable.

However, we found the battery life to be good enough that we didn’t feel the need to carry a power bank with us. In our tests, the battery gained 82% in one hour of charging with a 20W adapter.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Performance

The S23 has no performance issues thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is the same as the more expensive S23 Ultra. It allows for quick app download and opening, speedy website navigation, and seamless gaming without overheating or lag. The fingerprint reader under the screen and face unlocking both worked flawlessly during testing.

The phone also has IP68 water and dust resistance, which means it should survive being submerged in fresh water up to 1.5 metres deep for up to 30 minutes, providing peace of mind when using it outdoors or in wet conditions.

Galaxy S23 Verdict

The Galaxy S23 is a highly performant phone that comes in a small form factor, making it a great alternative to the iPhone and a strong contender against the Google Pixel in terms of photography. With promised software updates for years to come, it’s also a great long-term investment.

While it’s the most affordable in Samsung’s recent S-series, those who don’t mind sacrificing some features can save money by opting for last year’s model. It’s worth noting that Samsung is effectively competing with itself in this regard, as this has been a trend across all 2023 flagship phones.